消失的搭车客

Title: "消失的搭车客" (The Vanishing Hitchhiker: American Urban Legends and Their Meanings) by Jan Harold Brunvand

Overview: "The Vanishing Hitchhiker" is a seminal work by Jan Harold Brunvand, an authority on urban legends. The book explores the fascinating world of contemporary American folklore, focusing on the most well-known, humorous, bizarre, and intriguing urban legends. Brunvand delves into the cultural significance and evolution of these stories, demonstrating how they reflect and shape American society.

Key Themes:

1. Urban Legends: The book is a comprehensive collection of urban legends, each chapter dedicated to a specific type of legend. Brunvand examines the classic automobile legends, including the titular "Vanishing Hitchhiker" story, which has been around since the early 20th century and has evolved with technological advancements.
2. Cultural Significance: Brunvand explores how these stories reflect and influence American culture, often serving as a mirror to societal fears, anxieties, and values.
3. Story Evolution: He discusses how each retelling of an urban legend changes slightly, much like the game of Chinese whispers, highlighting the dynamic nature of folklore.
4. Interconnected Legends: Brunvand also explains how different urban legends can be interconnected, with one legend potentially being an offshoot of another.

Plot Summary: The book is structured around various chapters, each focusing on a different type of urban legend. The first chapter, "The Classic Automobile Legends," includes the "Vanishing Hitchhiker" story, which has been a staple of American folklore for over a century. The story typically involves a driver who picks up a hitchhiker, only to have the hitchhiker disappear from the car before reaching their destination. The details of the story, such as the place where it supposedly happens and the method of transportation, have evolved over time with technological advancements.

Critical Reception:

• Goodreads Review: The book has been praised for its insightful and engaging approach to urban legends. Reviewers appreciate Brunvand's ability to present complex information in a direct and easy-to-process manner. The book is recommended for anyone interested in urban legends, as it provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject.
• Douban Review: Brunvand, a retired professor from the University of Utah, has spent his career studying urban legends. "The Vanishing Hitchhiker" is his first book on the subject, and it has been well-received for its thorough research and engaging storytelling.
• Eslite Review: The book is described as a must-read for those interested in urban legends, offering a unique perspective on American society and urban culture.

In summary, "消失的搭车客" by Jan Harold Brunvand is a groundbreaking work that not only collects and analyzes urban legends but also provides a deeper understanding of their cultural significance and evolution. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in folklore, sociology, or cultural studies.